John Altenburgh

Home: Mosinee, Wisconsin US

For 30 years, Wisconsin musician, composer, and producer John Altenburgh has been creating memorable songs in the Jazz, Blues, RnB, Classical, and Rock genres. Three of his albums have charted on the Billboard Jazz charts, and he's been featured on NBC’s Poker After Dark, Comedy Central, National Public Radio’s All Things Considered, and many more. Playing frequently live and on national syndicated Blues programs, John has been heard on Blues Deluxe, At The Crossroads, and Dan Aykroyd’s House of Blues. He has also produced albums for numerous Jazz artists, including Mike Metheny.

John Altenburgh is also leader of the band Johnny & The MoTones, and three of their albums have appeared high on Billboard's Blues charts. During 2011, their recent album, Nothin’ To Lose, has been featured on several syndicated Blues shows. John's commercial clients include Ski Doo Snowmobiles, US Cellular and JI Case.

John runs his own record label, Altenburgh Records, and has written and performed the theme song for Wisconsin Public Radio’s Route 51. Over his illustrious career, John has recorded and produced many albums, including 9 with the John Altenburgh Ensemble, and three with Johnny & The MoTones. His most recent release charted for several weeks on the World Blues Chart in 2011. In addition to producing albums for Mike Metheny, John's production talents can also be heard on albums by Rebecca Paris, Melvin Rhyne, John Greiner, and numerous others.

Altenburgh is also a music historian and has on loan, antique recording devices to the legendary Sun Studio museum as well as their recording studio. In addition, he has archived and produced recordings of the history of Wisconsin Rock Music and has been head of collections for museum exhibits

A medium tempo gospel flavored song about a burning desire to change one's life. My soul's on fire is a statement of redemption and a cry from the "road" remembering a different time and a plea to those around to just "keep it light." Male Vocals, RnB Music, Southern Soul

Upbeat instrumental contemporary jazz piece. Strong beat and powerful saxophone. The song is in 3 parts, basic melody with a hook line intro followed by a slower bridge, followed by a very aggressive solo section. Would be a good choice for anything from a stroll down the sidewalk to a chase scene, Instrumental, Jazz Music, Jazz Fusion

A heartfelt song about an inspirational person (male or female) growing old. Sung in the first person, the singer asks the question "Can you do it again" wishing the person could turn back time and give us hope again, one more round of greatness. parents, grandparents, teachers, sports heroes etc. Male Vocals, Pop Music, Pop Ballad

A heartfelt contemporary jazz ballad that stirs emotion and sets a reflective mood for anywhere from lost love, to remembering your childhood or an old friend. The muted trumpet, along with the distinctive drum groove, gives it a contemporary urban feel. Beautiful melody. Instrumental, Jazz Music, Nu Jazz

A med. tempo song about being surrounded by "Crazy People." No matter where you go, where you sleep, they are all around you. When you are at the crossroads of life, don't listen to the (crazy people) about what to do. Follow your own path and, if you make mistakes, at least they are your own! Male Vocals, RnB Music, Contemporary RnB

A contemporary jazz song that switches from melancholy to uptempo, dramatic and aggressive rhythms with plenty of burning solos. A slower bridge that creates tension to a driving solo section. Instrumental, Jazz Music, Nu Jazz

An up tempo song about a hot girl with long legs who can dance/jump so hard. Sexy, the hottest thing in the club. Everybody wants her, no one can have but me, and I can't keep up with her! Swingin' jump blues/jazz with hot solos. Male Vocals, Blues Music, Jump Blues

Medium tempo instrumental funky jazz song. The song is segmented into two parts. The "A" section identified by the funky wah wah pedal of the guitar followed by a more straight back beat rock feel. Solos by guitar, organ and muted trumpet. Instrumental, Jazz Music, Nu Jazz

This slower composition combines a non-standard form of rhythm with dark, mysterious sounds and delivers an ominous setting. The middle section breaks away to a more melodic standard form providing a false sense of security as it suddenly moves back to the dark side. Suspense, mystery unease, Instrumental, Dangerous Music, Dangerous Music

Medium tempo instrumental jazz tune with a rock beat. The song features bright saxophone to set an up-lifting mood. The bridge provides a slower feel and creates tension to the solo sections which kicks into a feverish full production of instruments. Instrumental, Jazz Music, Jazz Rock

A light contemporary jazz song with a latin beat. Hope, good will, sentimental, love and comfort are just some of the emotions produced. Middle solo piano section does create a little tension but quickly comes back to the care-free feel to the song. Instrumental, Jazz Music, Orchestral Jazz

The scaled down version (piano & vocal & strings) of the heartfelt song about an inspirational person (male or female) growing old. Sung in the first person, the singer asks the question "Can you do it again" wishing the person could turn back time and give us hope again, one more round of greatness, Male Vocals, Jazz Music, Lounge Jazz Vocals

Times Flies is a song about the singer's observations of life. Confusion about what he thinks he sees and what's in fact, reality. A song of hope and also disappointment and the paradox of life in general. Male Vocals, Rock Music, Soft Rock

Whimsical up-tempo jazz waltz. Creates a sense of hope, happiness, contentment and satisfaction. Saxophone and piano solos are bright and clear. Would be good displaying family and home themes. Instrumental, Jazz Music, Nu Jazz

A gritty Organ and drums duet. A classic 1940s, 50s & 60s sound. Right out of the Mel Rhyne (Wes Montgomery Trio) organ sound bag. Mel actually set the stops of the organ up for me before I recorded it. Although my playing would never be confused with the legendary jazz organist, the tone is classic, Instrumental, Jazz Music, Swing Ensembles

Latin jazz song with various rhythmic changes to the beat. The minor key used gives the listener a mysterious feel, but has moments of uplifting thoughts when arriving at the bridge of the song. May be a good fit for a "searching for someone" in a spy or detective scene. Instrumental, Jazz Music, Latin Jazz

Medium slow rock ballad about someone who leaves a light on to signify they are waiting for another to return. Alone and getting older, she waits and waits. realizing she made mistakes but still has hope that the person she is waiting for will return. It never happens and she eventually passes on. Male Vocals, Pop Music, Alternative Pop

A very moody piece that can create a backdrop from anything from love to remembrance. Piano, percussion backed by strings and layered sounds. A creation of fantasy and dreams. Instrumental, Dramatic Music, Ethereal Music

A jazz ballad about lost love in the City of Chicago. Remembering the last time the singer was in that city and the heartbreak that ensued. Very emotional with piano, orchestra and percussion. Male Vocals, Jazz Music, Lounge Jazz Vocals

Slow rock ballad that sings about a lover that had to have him, and was deceived in the process. An aspiring singer who's new found love threatens to destroy the free spirit of the singer by his lover crushing his spirit with lies, deceit and demands. Male Vocals, Rock Music, Soft Rock

Jazzy latin rock song. Featuring the tenor saxophone. This medium tempo is bright and energetic. The mood set is one of determination and moving forward. The second section of the song is a little darker but quickly comes back to opening them. Instrumental, Jazz Music, Jazz Fusion

One of two versions of this song (Orange Face.) This song is basically in two parts, the first a slower more reflective feel. It transitions to a more uptempo rockish feel. Instrumental, Jazz Music, Latin Jazz

Up-Tempo jazz tune with a rock beat. Strong solos by guitar, piano and saxophone. Hard driving, strong and forceful. Complete with full horn section. Would be good for sports, dramatic and powerful. Instrumental, Jazz Music, Jazz Rock

An medium uptempo jazz latin instrumental. Uplifting and energetic. The Middle section brings the feel to a more reflective, dark type of listening atmosphere. It comes back to the general theme with plenty of solos and instrumentation's along the way. Instrumental, Jazz Music, Latin Jazz

A dark, sinister avant-garde piece that uses all kinds of synthesized musical sounds to create an ominous feel. Would be great to create thrilling, looking over your shoulder type scenes. The main part is a floating collection of sounds for suspense. The last part with heavy drums for chase effect, Instrumental, Dangerous Music, Dark Music

This song has numerous sections. The first, a melodic, slow vocal interlude transforming into a jazz combo with vocals. The middle sections feature a vocal chorus then to a big band instrumental. A swinging tune about sailors going to sea... one evening long ago. Wrote this song from a wartime photo, Male Vocals, Jazz Music, Swing | Big Band

Jazz in 6/8 time featuring the sounds of the Electronic Wind Instrument EWI. A somewhat haunting, irregular sound that creates a special mood of intensity. Also features a piano solo and a "trading of fours" between the EWI, drums and eventually the bass and piano. Instrumental, Jazz Music, Nu Jazz

Instrumental jazz/blues with strong back beat. Horn section to give it some sophistication and driving solos by guitar, piano and saxphone Good crusin music,, Instrumental, Blues Music, Modern Electric Blues

A medium slow rock song with esoteric lyrics off the beaten path about a lonely person who wants to know, "Why didn't anyone ever tell me." A song of dispair, loneliness, a comentary of what the singer has witnessed in his life. Plenty of symbolism and double meanings. Male Vocals, Jazz Music, Jazz Rock

A song about the fictitious Lazy Jane. This medium tempo country song asks the question, "Can you tell us where he is my dear?" In response to her lack of caring and doing. "You told us you care!" The life of times of the little gold-digger, Jane. Male Vocals, Country Music, Country Rock

Up tempo jazz vocal with horns and vocal ensemble. See My Breath is a song about being so cold..."I can see my breath!" Great for any kind of Winter scene where snow and cold are dominant. Plenty of instrumental solos in the middle for musical interludes and segways. Male Vocals, Jazz Music, Swing Ensembles

Light Latin flavored instrumental. The sound of a classical guitar mixed with various percussion instruments, bass and tenor sax. Imagine a tropical setting or perhaps something you may hear in a back club in South Beach. A 1950's to 60's small group latin/jazz combo sound. Instrumental, Jazz Music, Latin Jazz

A jazz waltz featuring trumpet back by a jazz quartet and orchestra. The song opens with a haunting, love lost type of feel. Dramatic, yet charming. It moves to standard jazz waltz and finishes with full orchestra. Moving and inspirational! Love, romance and sentimental over-tones. Instrumental, Jazz Music, Nu Jazz